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A Surgeon Explores Myth, Medicine, and the Human Body

The Mysteries Within

A Surgeon Explores Myth, Medicine, and the Human Body

Dr. Sherwin Nuland, author of the National Book Award-winning How We Die, once again combines knowledge, compassion, and elegance of expression to shed light on the workings of our bodies from the perspective of a surgeon. Dr. Nuland recounts age-old legends about the functions and "personalities" of the body's organs and, in riveting vignettes of the surgery he has performed, he describes the connections between myth and reality. A brilliant blend of science and folklore, The Mysteries Within reveals the enigmas not only of the body but also of the human imagination.

"Lee Gutkind Chicago Tribune To be compelled by fascinating stories while simultaneously learning about human anatomy and the surgeon's complicated profession, you will have to read this book."

"Laurie Tarkan The New York Times An engaging tale of five organs -- the stomach, liver, spleen, heart (his favorite), and uterus"

– and the history of those who tried to understand them.

"Frank Huyler San Francisco Chronicle This is a book about more than medicine. It is also about the rise of Western thought, the ways in which the past inhabits us, and a powerful reminder that we do have a history....Nuland is a gifted and deeply intelligent writer."

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